German Ambassador to China Volker Stanzel called in Beijing Monday for the reform of the UN Security Council to be more just and more reflective of the status quo of contemporary world politics and security.  

"Only when the rest of the countries in the world have more power to participate in the decision-making process, can we truly, effectively and reliably make contributions to safeguarding peace," he said at Beijing Normal University when attending a photo exhibition featuring the relationship between Germany and the UN. Germany has done a lot to prevent conflicts and safeguard peace in the world, said Stanzel, citing that approximately 9,000 German soldiers and policemen are deployed around the world to carry out peacekeeping missions.

He said Germany is one of the countries that pay the most UN fees, about 10 percent of the total. In 2003, Germany paid US$1.3 billion UN fees, he said.

"Only the UN, as the most important and the sole international organization with the highest authority, together with the concerted efforts of all countries, can effectively deal with and surmount global challenges," he said. "That's why Germany is so active in working for the UN."

Wu Zhigong, vice president of Beijing Normal University, made positive remarks on the role of Germany in international communities, saying that he was "deeply impressed" by Germany's contributions to the world in environmental protection, disaster prevention and relief, and protection of women's and children's rights.

He also praised Germany as "a responsible member" in the international community.

Germany, Japan, India and Brazil announced an alliance in September last year to support each other for their inclusion in the UN Security Council as permanent members.

The UNSC currently has five permanent members: Britain, China, France, the United States and Russia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2005)